WHEN FREEDOM LEADS ASTRAY

 

Tife had always dreamed of the day she would leave home and live life on her own terms. Growing up in a strict, religious home, her parents controlled every aspect of her life. They dictated what she wore, where she went, and even the kind of friends she kept. They never allowed her to attend parties, wear makeup, or have a phone until she finished secondary school.

“Tife, always remember who you are,” her mother often told her. “The world is full of temptations, but you must stay on the right path.”

Her father was even stricter. “You are not like other children, Tife,” he would say. “We have raised you to be different. Don’t bring shame to this family.”

Tife nodded whenever they spoke, but deep inside, she felt trapped. She longed for freedom, for a life where she could make her own choices.

Finally, that day came. She gained admission to the university, and as she stood at the school gate after her matriculation, watching her parents leave, she smiled to herself. Now, I can finally live the life I want.

At first, she pretended to be the obedient daughter they believed her to be. She called them regularly, assured them she was attending classes, and even sent pictures of herself dressed modestly. But in reality, she was living a completely different life.

She made new friends like Dora, who introduced her to a world she had never known. It started with small things—wearing outfits her parents would never approve of, staying out late, and skipping church services. But soon, she went further.

“Let’s go clubbing, girl!” Dora said one night, excitement in her eyes.

Tife hesitated for only a second before nodding. “Yes! But I think we should wear something hotter,” she added, already feeling the thrill of her new life.

That night, she stepped into a club for the first time. The loud music, the flashing lights, and the carefree atmosphere excited her. She drank alcohol, even though it made her dizzy. She danced with strangers, laughed without control, and ignored the voice in her head that whispered, This isn’t you.

One night turned into many. She stopped attending classes regularly, started dating older men who bought her expensive gifts, and lied to her parents whenever they called.

“Are you reading your books, my daughter?” her mother would ask.

“Yes, Mum,” she would reply, hiding the fact that she had just returned from a party.

But soon, the consequences of her choices began to show. She failed her first set of tests, but instead of changing, she convinced herself that exams were what really mattered.

The Night That Changed Everything

One fateful night, Dora invited Tife to a special party at a club known for attracting all kinds of people, including cultists and troublemakers. Tife had heard rumors about the place, but she didn’t care.

“We’ll be fine,” Dora assured her. “Just don’t get involved in anything serious.”

Tife dressed up and went with her friends. The club was more packed than usual. The air smelled of alcohol and smoke, and there was a tense energy in the room. Unknown to Tife, some cultists who had been causing trouble on campus were also there. The university management had already marked them for expulsion due to violent activities.

As Tife and Dora danced, they heard loud shouting. Suddenly, bottles started flying. A fight had broken out between two groups. People screamed and ran in different directions. Tife grabbed Dora’s hand, panic setting in.

“Let’s get out of here!” she yelled.

Before they could escape, police officers and campus security stormed the club. They rounded up everyone inside, including Tife.

“Please, I don’t know what’s happening!” she cried as they dragged her outside. But it was too late.

The next day, her name was among those listed for expulsion. The university had decided to take strict action against students found in clubs linked to cultist activities. Even though she had no direct involvement, her presence at the club was enough to implicate her.

Tife sat in the disciplinary committee’s office, her heart pounding. The school had already expelled some students, and now it was her turn.

“Tife,” the dean said, shaking his head. “You had a bright future. Why throw it all away?”

Tife had no answer. She had wanted freedom, but now she had lost everything.

As she walked out of the office with her expulsion letter in hand, her phone rang. It was her mother.

With trembling hands, she answered.

“Tife, how are you? We are praying for you,” her mother said warmly.

Tears rolled down Tife’s cheeks. She had disappointed them. She had disappointed herself.

“Mum,” she whispered. “I made a mistake.”